Craft beers win a special space on the tables and hearts of cariocas

When almost any person think about Rio de Janeiro first thing that comes to mind is sun, lots of sun. Then, you remember the city is at the seaside, so going to the beach is defintely an option. Probably the very third thing is beer, when you remember that the weather is warm nearly all year long. In fact, it’s tough no to see an endless army of beer bottles over any bar table or cans if you’re by the sea.

Brazilians were not particularly famous for producing a great variety of beer styles. Most people use to drink very light pilseners, usually freezing cold. But since different brands and styles made their way into the market there was a virtual explosion in the production of craft beers. In Rio de Janeiro alone the number of brands went from 20 to 200 in a decade. Let’s review some places you can go to drink them.

As Melhores Cervejas do Mundo

Half store-half bar located in Copacabana it offers more than 200 National and International brands. On Fridays you can drink them with some appetizers like pork meat croquettes. It’s on rua Ronald de Carvalho 154, about four blocks from Cardeal Arcoverde subway station. Opens from 3PM to 10PM.

Photo: Blog Maria Cevada

Yeasteria – Ponto Cervejeiro

It’s an amazin selection of 360 brands from all around the World, including local products like Lemon Cake from Ocenica Brewery, a golden ale with lemon and vanilla. To go with it you can try many appetizers. The filtered water are served in Erlenmeyer jars, typical of chemistry labs. It’s on rua Pereira Nunes, 266, Tijuca. You can drive or take a bus (there’s a stop right at the door of the bar) or take a 10-minute stroll from Saens Peña subway station. Open Tue-Sun from 6PM.

Photo: VEJA Rio

Hopfen Artesanal

Another store/bar with hundreds of brands to choose from. It promotes some events and the next one will be on Friday, Sept 8th when they will present a Belgian beer with orange and pepper in its recipe. At the kitchen, the people from Why Not Burger Shop will be driving the show. You can have also appetizers like a darling All Brazilian craft-cheese table. The address is Av. Maracanã 727. Open Tue-Sat, usually at 6PM.

Photo: VEJA Rio

Hocus Pocus DNA

Originally only a garage, this place in Botafogo became a hot dog food truck and then one of the best beer places in town. You can taste either rare brands from all around the World until local choices like 3Cariocas or Oceania. The food is also an attraction at this place that resembles a medieval tavern. You can taste breadcrumbed olives or a sort of Dutch-style fried sausage rolls. R. 19 de Fevereiro, 186. Open daily from 6PM.

Photo: Blog Malte & Esmalte

Hop Lab

This London-pub style house show their beer menu on electronic displays and have some taps of Brazilian draft beer. On Thursdays there are discounts on certain brands. Rua Barão de Iguatemi, 292, Praça da Bandeira. Open daily from 5PM.